Vietnamese defense minister visits with Rumsfeld at Pentagon
WASHINGTON - In a visit heavy with symbolism, a Vietnamese defense minister has visited the Pentagon and State Department for the first time since the war ended in 1975.
Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld on Monday greeted the Vietnamese, Pham Van Tra, on the Pentagon steps, and the two had a working lunch.
They discussed "ways to promote security cooperation between the two countries and to build on successes in de-mining, disaster relief, search and rescue and medical assistance," according to a Pentagon statement.
Their session was not the first between American and Vietnamese defense
ssing American service personnel," the Pentagon said.
Vietnamese officials have made a point of asking for help in dealing with health problems resulting from the American use of Agent Orange, a powerful defoliant used to clear swaths of jungle during the war, administration officials said. The threat from unexploded American bombs, which continue to kill or maim civilians, is also a concern of the Vietnamese government, officials said.
Rumsfeld's focus on Asia continues later this week. At a news conference with correspondents from foreign media, he announced plans to visit Japan and South Korea for talks on a variety of issues, including troops for Iraq, the United States' long-term basing plans in the region, and deterrence of North Korea.
During his visit on Monday to the State Department, the Vietnamese defense minister met with Secretary of State Colin Powell, as well as James Kelly, an assistant secretary of state. A State Department spokesman said the meeting included a discussion on human rights and religious freedom in Vietnam.
By Thom Shanker - The New York Times - November 11, 2003.
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